Types of Speakers to Invite

Tips on Using Speakers

Invite different types of speakers to your group: Just remember to be sensitive to your group’s interest areas and physical limitations. As the overall age of your group increases, you may find that more social, rather than educational, opportunities are what your group members are looking for to feel a sense of support.

Provide direction: Professionals are often pleased to share their knowledge with your group but appreciate some direction from the group leader on what information to prepare for the presentation. Suggestions for the speaker are given below.

Respect your speaker’s time: Keep group business to a bare minimum or wait until after the presentation.

Do a sound check: Make sure everyone can hear the speaker. Encourage the use of a microphone for large groups.

Introduce and thank the speaker: it’s the right thing to do and it also cues the group when they should stop talking with their neighbor and when the presentation is finished.

Keep records of whom you invite and when: Most groups will want to hear the information again in a year or two. You can save yourself a lot of planning by simply creating a rotating schedule of topics to have handy when looking for inspiration.

20 Speakers to Invite to Senior Support Group and Suggested Topics

Vision Loss Related:

1. Optometrist

General anatomy of the eye (parts and function as relates to vision)

Which parts of the eye are affected by different eye diseases and how this relates to how the patient sees the world

Difference between an ophthalmologist and optometrist

Meaning of 20/20, 20/200 (legally blind), and other lines on the Snellen eye chart

Which parts of the eye are affected and how disease of these parts affects what and how a person sees

Progression of a specific eye disease and the common treatments

Tips to maintain eye health

Information on current research seeking a cure (group members may be interested in how they can get involved as a test subject or receive information on the latest studies)

3. Representative from National Library Service Talking Book Program

Demonstration of how to work a talking book machine

Explanation of how the program works and what is provided

Explanation of descriptive video library (request demonstration)

Explanation of how sign-up for the service

4. Representative from Local Public Library

Description and demonstration of library materials and services of interest to patrons with vision loss: books on CD/tape, Playaways, large print books, outreach services/bookmobile etc. (many public libraries also have video magnifiers and computers with screen magnification for on-site public use)

Information about library events (book clubs, speakers, etc.) that are accessible for people with vision loss

5. Representative from State Services for People with Vision Loss – Connecting your group members with their local rehabilitation services for people with vision loss is essential! Your group provides the emotional support and much helpful information but only vision rehabilitation service providers can give each individual the training needed to live safely and independently!

Explain eligibility criteria for services and process for entering into services.

Describe scope and length of services and the professionals involved

6. Orientation and Mobility Specialist

What is Orientation and Mobility training

Who benefits from receiving the training

Scope and duration of the training

Tips for traveling safely when out in the community

General FAQs concerning use of the white cane

General FAQs on guide dogs

Human guide training

How to receive individual training from an Orientation and Mobility Specialist

7. Vision Rehabilitation Therapist

What is Vision Rehabilitation Therapy

Who benefits from receiving it

Scope and duration of training

Information/instruction on how to live independently with vision loss in all areas of life

Hands-on demonstration of magnifiers, talking products, large print items, and many other helpful gadgets to make living independently easier with vision loss

9. Representative Who Sells Video Magnification Equipment

Hands-on demonstration of desktop and portable video magnifiers for reading, writing, and many other activities

10. Representative from a Guide Dog School – Many guide dog schools have local ambassadors or representative who can come talk to your group about guide dogs

FAQs about guide dogs

What it is like to live and travel with a guide dog

Why a guide dog and not a white cane

11. Representative from Hadley School for the Blind (if possible) – Hadley School has teachers all across the U.S. There may be one living in your area or attending a conference near you who can make time to speak at your group. Hadley is international and not a resource you will want to neglect bringing to your group!